The Maggid of Melbourne

By Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper

Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper, the Maggid of Melbourne, invites us to join him on an exploration of a wide array of Jewish ideas and their relevance in our contemporary Jewish lives. The Maggid of Melbourne ... more

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FAQs about The Maggid of Melbourne:

How many episodes does The Maggid of Melbourne have?

The podcast currently has 222 episodes available.

The Maggid of Melbourne episodes:

August 17, 2023 Exploring Sacred Spaces 13 | Window Design
If, as we’ve learned, we are meant to have windows, is there a specific way they should be designed? In today’s episode the Maggid of Melbourne leads us with an examination of the windows that were found in the Temple. It isn’t as simple as copying those windows, however, as many questions arise regarding how those windows may have been designed. Was there transparent glass? Simple shuttered openings? Listen now to learn what options we may have when designing synagogue windows.
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12min
August 15, 2023 Exploring Sacred Spaces 12 | Smell and Sight
The Maggid of Melbourne brings another tale, this time about the planning of the building of Yeshivat Har Etzion and Rav Amital’s reaction to learning there would be no windows in the Beit Midrash. We learn of two versions of the story, one telling us that Rav Amital’s reaction was based on scent, but another teaches that it was related to sight. Sight, perhaps we could understand, but scent? Listen in to find out why both senses are important when planning our sacred spaces.
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11min
August 14, 2023 Exploring Sacred Spaces 11 | Windows for Prayer
Do synagogues need windows? Going back to the time of Daniel, we learn that windows have played a role in prayer, but does that mean that windows are required? Why would we even need windows, what particular role would they play in our synagogues? Join the Maggid of Melbourne as he examines the Rambam and later authorities on their position regarding windows in shul.
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12min
August 11, 2023 Exploring Sacred Spaces 10 | Karate Kicks on Synagogue Walls
From watching children practice their karate kicks to remembering stories of shared walls with homes, the Maggid of Melbourne embarks on a fascinating discussion about the sanctity of synagogue walls and the challenges of using them for the mundane. Drawing on historical sources, including this week’s parsha, and reflections from our modern context, in today’s episode we’ll learn about how to handle matters related to treating our synagogues with respect.

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11min
August 10, 2023 Exploring Sacred Spaces Episode 9 | Menorah or Chanukiya

We see them all the time in our Jewish spaces, but what exactly is the role of the Chanukiya within synagogues? Join Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper, the Maggid of Melbourne, as he leads us on a fascinating exploration of … Read the rest
The post Exploring Sacred Spaces 9: Menorah or Chanukiya first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
Continue reading Exploring Sacred Spaces 9: Menorah or Chanukiya at Elmad Online Learning.
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13min
August 09, 2023 Exploring Sacred Spaces 8 | Lions in Shul
The symbolism of lions has been seen throughout Ashkenazi synagogues. Yet, in 1949, Ben-Zion Meir Hai Uziel cautioned the use of images in synagogues due to the prohibition of graven images. How do we approach these images in synagogues? How can we find a decor that aids us in spiritual connection while also respecting Jewish law?

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9min
August 08, 2023 Exploring Sacred Spaces 7 | Holy Arks
In today’s episode of the Maggid of Melbourne’s “Exploring Sacred Spaces” we dive into the significance of the Holy Ark in a synagogue and the dilemma of dealing with an existing Ark when moving to a new space. Various options, from burial to repurposing, are considered within the framework of Jewish Law.

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12min
August 07, 2023 Exploring Sacred Spaces 6 | Halakhot of Air Conditioners
Is there an obligation to have air conditioners or heaters in a synagogue? If we do have air conditioners, what considerations do we need to take? Is it alright to leave an air conditioner on when the synagogue isn’t in use? What if someone accidentally leaves the air conditioner on? Take a deep dive into the halakhot of air conditioners with this episode of the Maggid of Melbourne’s “Exploring Sacred Spaces.”
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11min
August 04, 2023 Exploring Sacred Spaces 5 | Blessings at Eye Level
We continue our examination of the duchan (platform) from which the Kohanim offer blessings to the congregation. As we know from the previous episode, the Kohanim are meant to go up to the duchan, meaning the duchan should be raised up from the floor. While we have learned that the blessing should be done whether or not there are steps, we must ask what we should do in such cases. The Maggid of Melbourne walks us through several possible solutions, including the use of symbolic elevation. We’ll also learn some of the possible reasons why we have such a tradition, such as honoring the Holy Presences and connecting to the steps of the ancient Temple.
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11min
August 03, 2023 Exploring Sacred Spaces 4 | Stepping up to Offer Blessings
In previous episodes, the Maggid of Melbourne discussed how the Hazzan should approach the lectern, examining the question of whether one should step up or down. What about when the Kohanim come forward to lead the priestly blessing? Must they step up? What if there is no space, or some other challenges that would prevent building that step up? Together with the Maggid of Melbourne, we’ll examine historical and halachic perspectives on designing the steps and platform that lead to the Aron Kodesh.

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13min

FAQs about The Maggid of Melbourne:

How many episodes does The Maggid of Melbourne have?

The podcast currently has 222 episodes available.